Belt-tightener.



W. E. FARRELL. BELT TIGHTBNER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 16, 1911.

Patented Nov. 4, 1913.

Ill

@EIEI @EHQ Swvwtoz wih uwow UNITED STATES AT E. FARRELL, 0F LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS.

BELT-TIGHTENER.

This invention relates to certain novel and.

useful improvements in belt tighteners or tensioniug devices.

In carrying out my invention, it is my purpose to provide a tensioning device or tightener for belts and the like whereby the belt will be at all times held under tension and furthermore, my improved belt tight ener embraces the desired features of simplicity efficiency and durability and may be manufactured and marketed at a relatively low cost. v

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter set forth in and falling within the scope of the claim. V

-In the accompanying drawings; Figure 1 is a view partly in end elevation" and'p'artly in section showing the frame for the idler pulley of the belt tightener and the tension means therefor. Fig. 2 is a similar view partly in sideelevation and partly in section. I

Referringnow to the accompanying drawings in detail, the nuineralslfi, 13 designate two side bars depending from a top-cross bar 14 and forming therewith an inverted U-shaped frame, while 15 indicates a tension roller which is, mounted upon-a shaft 16, the ends of which latter are journaled in .boxes 17 sliding in the side bars 13 of the frame. Each box supports a vertically extending rod 18 preferably cylindrical in form, the lower end of said rod being appropriately fastened to 'the box as at Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed September 16, 1911.

Patented Nov. 4, 1913. Serial No. 649,708.

while the upper .end 20 thereof projects through a threaded sleeve 21 and 1nt0 the top bar of the frame, this sleeve being adjustable vertically and having a flange 22.

which bears against the top end of the spiral tension spring 23, said spring surrounding the rod. By this arrangement, it will be seen that the tensionof the idler wheel may be automatically adjusted and by the arrangement of mounting the tension means the proper adjustment is attained at each side of the wheel In use, any extra strain placed upon the belt causes the tension wheel to rise, thus relievingthe pressure on the belt, and when the tension, upon the belt relaxes the spring forces thewheel downwardly against the belt thus increasing the tension thereon to take up any slackness that mightlo-therwise be present in the belt.

I claim: l

lA belt tightener or tensioning .device comof a top cross bar and side bars depending therefrom and spaced apart, axially alining boxes carried by said side bars and slidable therein, a shaftjournaled in said boxes, a

, pulley upon said shaft, a rod extending from each box parallel with the respective side bar, sleeves-threaded into said connecting barfor receiving the free ends of said rods, and springs surrounding said rods and each having one end bearing upon the respective box and the'opposite end in contact with the sleeve whereby the tension of the spring may be adjusted.

In" testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM E. FARRELL.

prising an inverted U-shaped frame formed c 

